The five Hyperkin accessories that matter most for Game Boy collectors in 2026 are the SmartBoy mobile adapter, the RetroN Sq HD console, the RetroN 5 multi-system console, the Hyperkin 24-cartridge storage stand, and the broader ModRetro lineup. Each one solves a specific problem: playing physical cartridges on modern hardware, preserving a collection, or displaying it without letting it gather dust in a shoebox. If you own original Game Boy, Game Boy Color, or Game Boy Advance cartridges and want to actually use them rather than just own them, these are the tools worth knowing.
What does the Hyperkin SmartBoy actually do with your phone?
The SmartBoy turns an Android smartphone into a physical Game Boy by snapping onto the bottom of the device via USB Type-C. You slot in a real Game Boy or Game Boy Color cartridge, and the game runs through your phone’s display. No batteries required: the SmartBoy draws power from the phone itself.
The physical button layout mimics the original Game Boy feel, which matters more than it sounds. Touchscreen controls for retro games are genuinely uncomfortable for anything requiring precise timing. The SmartBoy’s tactile buttons fix that. It also upscales the output to your phone’s native resolution, so Pokémon Red on a modern 6-inch display looks noticeably cleaner than it did on the original dot-matrix screen.
A few practical notes: the SmartBoy works with Android USB Type-C phones in the 5.2 to 6.4 inch range, and it is not compatible with iPhones due to Apple’s proprietary port. It also supports GBA apps from Google Play, though configuration for those varies by app. For collectors who want to play their physical library on the go without carrying a 30-year-old console, this is probably the most portable solution Hyperkin makes.
Is the Hyperkin RetroN Sq worth it for Game Boy collectors who want HD output?
Yes, and the reason is specific: it puts Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges on a television at 720p and 60fps through HDMI, which no original hardware can do without significant modification.
The Hyperkin RetroN Sq includes a physical aspect ratio switch on the unit itself, letting you flip between 4:3 (the original square ratio) and 16:9 (widescreen). For collectors who care about accuracy, 4:3 is the correct choice. For casual play on a modern TV, 16:9 fills the screen. The included wired USB Scout controller has a 10-foot cable, which is long enough to sit comfortably on a couch.
One thing worth knowing: GBA cartridge support is listed as a beta function, meaning compatibility is broad but not guaranteed for every title. Game Boy and Game Boy Color support runs through open source software and tends to be more consistent. The console also has a microSD card slot for firmware updates, so compatibility can improve over time. At $69.99, it is the most focused Game Boy-to-TV solution in the Hyperkin lineup.
Can the Hyperkin RetroN 5 play Game Boy cartridges alongside everything else?
It can, and that is exactly what makes it useful for collectors who have more than just a Game Boy library. The Hyperkin RetroN 5 has five cartridge slots covering Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, NES, Famicom, SNES, Super Famicom, Sega Genesis, and Mega Drive. One box handles a substantial portion of the cartridge-based retro library.
For Game Boy specifically, the RetroN 5 outputs at up to 720p through HDMI and offers 10 save slots per game, on-the-fly save states, screenshot capture to an SD card, and a built-in Game Genie cheat system. The Bluetooth wireless controller has a range of up to 30 feet. You can also plug in original controllers through the platform-specific ports.
The scanlines video filter is a small but appreciated detail for purists: it recreates the visual texture of a CRT without requiring one. Dynamic button remapping works across all supported cartridges, including original Game Boy pads. At $179.99, the RetroN 5 is the higher investment, but it makes sense for collectors who want a single device for multiple systems rather than one box per platform.
How should a Game Boy collector store and protect their cartridge library?
Leaving cartridges loose in a drawer is the fastest way to degrade them. Oxidation on the connector pins is the main enemy: it causes read errors and, over time, can corrupt save data stored on internal batteries.
Hyperkin makes a 24-cartridge stackable storage stand designed specifically for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges. The stand holds cartridges label-side out in a compact footprint, keeps them off dusty surfaces, and stacks with additional units if the collection grows. Durable plastic construction means it will not warp or crack under normal shelf conditions.
Beyond storage, the practical habit that preserves cartridges longest is cleaning the connector pins before play. A few drops of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab, inserted and twisted in the cartridge slot, removes oxidation without damaging the contacts. This applies to both the cartridge pins and the slot inside whatever console you use. Collectors who skip this step and then wonder why a game is glitching are usually one cleaning away from a fix.
What else does Hyperkin offer for retro handheld fans beyond individual products?
The Hyperkin and ModRetro collection covers a wider range of retro-focused hardware than most people realize. ModRetro, which operates under the Hyperkin umbrella, focuses on bringing the Game Boy experience forward with modern manufacturing standards while keeping the original form factor intact.
For collectors who want the feel of a Game Boy without relying on aging 30-year-old hardware, this is where to look. The collection includes accessories, cables, and handheld-focused products that complement the RetroN Sq and SmartBoy rather than replace them. If you have already built out the core setup, browsing this collection tends to surface things you did not know you needed.
The Right Accessory Depends on How You Play
Game Boy collectors generally fall into two groups: those who want to play their physical cartridges and those who want to display and preserve them. The SmartBoy and RetroN Sq solve the first problem from opposite ends: one is portable, the other is for the living room. The RetroN 5 adds value if the collection extends beyond just the Game Boy family. Proper storage and cleaning handle the second problem, and they cost almost nothing relative to the value of a well-maintained cartridge collection.
The gap between a collection that works and one that does not is usually a single accessory. Pick the one that matches how you actually use your games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Hyperkin SmartBoy work with Game Boy Advance cartridges?
The SmartBoy is designed for Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges only. It does not have a GBA cartridge slot. It is compatible with GBA apps from the Google Play Store, though app configuration varies. For playing physical GBA cartridges, the RetroN Sq or RetroN 5 are the better options.
Can I use original Game Boy controllers with the Hyperkin RetroN 5?
Yes. The RetroN 5 includes platform-specific original controller ports for each supported system, including Game Boy. Two ports are available per platform, for a total of six controller ports across all supported systems. The console also comes with a Bluetooth wireless controller that has a 30-foot range.
Will the Hyperkin RetroN Sq work with flash carts like the EverDrive?
No. The RetroN Sq is not compatible with EverDrive cartridges or other flash carts. It requires original game cartridges to function. The same limitation applies to the RetroN 5. Collectors running flash carts will need to use original hardware or a purpose-built flash cart-compatible device.
How do I know if my Game Boy cartridge battery is still holding a save?
Most Game Boy cartridges use a CR2025 or CR2032 coin cell battery for save data, and these typically last 15 to 20 years from manufacture. If a game resets your save on power-off, the battery is likely dead. Replacement batteries cost under two dollars, and swapping them requires only a small flathead screwdriver and a 3.8mm gamebit bit.
Is the Hyperkin RetroN Sq region-free for PAL Game Boy cartridges?
PAL and NTSC Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges are physically the same shape, so they fit the RetroN Sq slot without any adapter. The console’s open source software handles both formats. GBA cartridges in beta mode also tend to work across regions, though some titles may behave differently depending on the region-specific ROM version.